Alex Mercer always thought he was pretty lucky in ways. He had a group of friends a family that kept him from getting too crazy and a life that was just kind of ordinary. He went to university classes worked part-time as a barista and played video games with his friends sometimes. It was all very predictable and safe and boring.
That was all about to change.
It happened on a Friday evening. The streets were wet from the rain and the city signs were reflecting off the pavement and the coffee machines were making a lot of noise in the café where Alex was finishing his shift. He was stacking cups when an old man suddenly walked in leaning on a cane. His coat looked old-fashioned but his eyes were very sharp and intelligent like he knew secrets that Alex could not even imagine.
"Alex Mercer?" the man asked, his voice calm and serious.
Alex looked up. "Uh... Yeah? Do I know you?"
The old man did not answer. Instead he reached into his coat. Pulled out a small black box. He handed it to Alex. "This phone will change you. You should not turn it off."
Before Alex could say anything the old man disappeared. Just like that. Gone, leaving Alex standing there looking at the street and the black box in his hand.
Alex shook his head. "Wait. What? How can someone just disappear like that?. How can a phone change my life?" He said to himself looking at the device.
The phone was glowing a bit in his hand like it was alive. There were patterns moving across the screen shining softly in the dim light of the café. Even though he was not sure he should Alex tapped the screen.
Away a holographic interface appeared. There were icons floating in the air: people, animals and shapes that looked like water, air and shadows. Alexs thumb was hovering over one of the icons. A superhero- figure.
He just tapped it once.
A weird feeling went up Alexs arms. Colors were swirling around him bending and folding the world. When everything stopped spinning Alex looked down at himself. He was taller. He was wearing a sleek metallic suit instead of his old hoodie. He flexed his hands. He was stronger, agile and more aware.. He was still Alex Mercer. His thoughts, memories and voice were all still the same.
"Holy... What the hell?" Alex whispered, his heart beating fast.
A moments later the phone started vibrating really hard. A warning flashed on the screen: 'Time limit approaching. Reverting in 10 seconds.'
Before Alex could do anything the world blurred again. He was back, on the cold café floor coffee spilled over his hoodie.
"Yep " he said to himself groaning. "Rules. Chaos guaranteed.. Seriously how does a phone even do this?"